Indonesia is a land of legends, home to thousands of idyllic islands. Some are cloaked in dense jungle and inhabited by the mythical bird of paradise, others born of fire-breathing volcanoes and roamed by living dragons.

With much of Indonesia surrounded by ocean, chartering a boat is undoubtedly an efficient (not to mention enjoyable) way to explore these marvellous islands, some uninhabited and as yet unnamed, a veritable feast of natural beauty. On a personalised journey tailor-made by our small, expert team, you can discover a jewel box of uninhabited islands edged with postcard-worthy beaches and fringed with pristine coral reefs, visit traditional villages and get immersed in local culture, trek through jungle to spot fascinating wildlife, surf epic waves or dive to your heart’s content.

Want to try something different to the Caribbean or Mediterranean? You're in the right place.

INDONESIA ON THE MAP

Indonesia claims a truly impressive title: the largest archipelago on the planet. Made up of some 17,500 islands of varying shapes and sizes, this country boasts a diverse and dynamic landscape. One trip alone could barely scratch the surface of the many great sights to be found in Indonesia, let alone her surrounding waters, comprising the Indian Ocean, the Java Sea, the Timor Sea, the Banda Sea and the Celebes Sea.

Stretching north and south of the equator with a length of approximately 5000km between Asia and Australia, Indonesia is as broad as the United States is between San Francisco and New York – which also equates to the same distance between London and Moscow.

INDONESIA’S ISLANDS

With 17,500 islands to explore, narrowing down the best places to visit in Indonesia can be a challenge, so we’ve highlighted some of the most fascinating islands, archipelagos and national parks in the country.

Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family adventure, a friends’ getaway or a digital detox, Indonesia has plenty to offer to each and every traveller. Soaring mountain peaks, smouldering volcanoes, lush rainforest, fascinating tribal tradition, rare endemic wildlife species, and a show stopping marine landscape represent just some of what this magnificent country has to offer on a private yacht charter.

Indonesia’s Seasons

Indonesia can be visited throughout the year, with different regions subject to individual microclimates. The weather is tropical and warm year round, split into the dry and the wet season. During the dry season in respective locations, the climate is less humid with cooler nights and sunny comfortable days averaging 28-degrees Celcius.

The west of Indonesia (including Bali, Java, Lombok and Komodo National Park) is generally best visited between May and September. The east (including Papua, Raja Ampat and the Moluccas) is best visited between November and March.

The shoulder months of April and October are ideal for embarking on a slightly longer once-a-year charter trip. During these months, boats migrate from one region to another, giving visitors the chance to experience a multitude of different regions and an exceptional combination of landscapes, cultures and marine environments.

INDONESIA’S PEOPLE

A population of more than 250 million people inhabit just 8,000 of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, with approximately 300 languages spoken by the many individual ethnic groups. Despite its status as the world’s fourth most populated country, you wouldn’t know it - unless of course, you found yourself in the likes of Jakarta, Java’s frenetic capital city. Indonesia is truly home to a great variety of cultures, from the spiritual haven of Bali to the animistic beliefs of Sumba, a multitude of faiths and rituals span this boundlessly fascinating archipelago.

From temples to artistic expression, traditional music to ritualistic dance, the entire region is a treasure chest of intrigue, of captivating culture that merges ancient and modern, of rituals and ways of daily life that vary dramatically from island to island. The innate warmth of the Indonesian people and their gracious hospitality welcomes visitors wherever they go.

Indonesia’s Natural Attractions

With abundant rice paddies in Bali and Java, verdant forests in Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, arid savannahs in East Nusa Tenggara and snow-capped peaks in Papua, Indonesia is a wonderland of intoxicating natural beauty.

Its equatorial location and varied geology make this country the second most biodiverse in the world, after Brazil. With over 60% of its land covered in forest and 80,000km of coastline, Indonesia hosts a unique combination of both Asian and Australian flora and fauna. It also tops the global charts for the number of species unique to its territory. Covering just 1% of the Earth’s land, Indonesia’s rainforests are home to a massive 10% of the planet’s plant species, 12% of mammal species and 17% of all known bird species.

Between Bali and Lombok, Borneo and Sulawesi, runs the Wallace line, which technically separates Asia from Australia, and Asian fauna from Australasian fauna. Wildlife across the region includes the dinosaur-like endemic giant Komodo dragon, found on just five islands in Komodo National Park, endangered orangutans, tigers, clouded leopards and elephants on Sumatra, the Javan rhino and slow loris, Sulawesi’s Anoa Dwarf Buffalo, and Papua’s incredible birds, such as the ostentatiously plumed Bird of Paradise. Add to that a healthy population of monkeys, wild horses, deer, civet cats and flying foxes, and you’ve got a wildlife enthusiasts dream.

In terms of flora, Indonesia is home to thriving vegetation stretching from the coast all the way to the highlands. Some 28,000 species of orchid live alongside intriguing carnivorous plants, not to mention the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia. These forests comprise a huge variety of trees, such as ebony, sandalwood, teakwood and all manner of fruit trees.

Indonesia’s Enigmatic Waters

It’s really no surprise that the legend of the mermaid is said to have begun in Indonesia; this country is famed for having the most diverse marine life on earth. Situated within the Coral Triangle, Indonesia claims 20% of the world’s coral reefs and is a paradise for divers and snorkellers alike.

In 2006, 50 new species were discovered on a researchers’ trip to Bird’s Head in Papua, and every year fascinating and previously unrecorded creatures are discovered here in Indonesia’s waters.

Indonesia is home to 75% of all know coral species, 40% of the world’s reef fish species and six of the world’s seven sea turtle species, nearly all of which are endangered. 29 types of whale, including humpbacks, sperm whales and blue whales migrate through yearly, while resident marine creatures include dolphins, whalesharks, manta rays, sunfish and the elusive dugong.

From the exquisite coral gardens of Raja Ampat to the racing currents of Komodo National Park, Indonesia’s waters offer something to suit every charter.

Indonesia’s World-Class Hospitality

Whether it's renowned luxury hotels set on glittering charcoal-hued volcanic sands or exclusive private villas set amidst rice paddies, temples and waterfalls, Indonesia’s accommodation consistently achieves attention for exceptional service. The outstanding hospitality found in this country is truly a force to be reckoned with.

GETTING TO INDONESIA

Ultimate Indonesian Yachts can take care of all internal arrangements, so all that’s left for you to do is relax and look forward to your private yacht charter.

Short internal flights are operated mainly on Silk Air, Garuda Airways, Wings Air, Lion Air and Air Asia. Some of these can be tricky to reserve from overseas, but we can arrange your flights for you through our trusted partners.